Solera, a new gay nightclub in Port Morris, quietly opened its doors on June 18, then roared to life with a packed grand opening on June 20 after Bronx Pride events. Owner Audrey Dejesus and patrons described the venue as the Bronx's only gay nightclub, and said opening-night crowds were largely Black and Hispanic.
Grand opening and the space
The club sits on the second floor of 125 St. Ann's Ave and is laid out with hi-top seating, tables, couches and a full bar. Opening-night photos show dancers, bottle service and a shoulder-to-shoulder dance floor. The June 18 soft launch and June 20 grand opening were documented in local coverage, as reported by the Bronx Times.
Owner with deep Bronx roots
Owner Audrey Dejesus, who identifies as half Puerto Rican and a self-described third-generation lesbian, has been working in nightlife since the 1980s and spent 30 years with the New York City Department of Education. Dejesus told the paper she previously purchased Nina’s Lounge in 2006, ran a food pantry in Hunts Point and served on Community Board 1 before securing the Port Morris space. "They don't have to worry about who they are. They could be whatever they are in a place where they could be comfortable," Dejesus said, according to the Bronx Times.
When to go
Solera plans to open Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights to start, and promoters have already begun listing weekend programming. An Eventbrite listing for "SOLERA SATURDAYS" notes the club's June 20 launch and gives the address as 125 St. Ann's Ave, as shown on Eventbrite.
Why it matters to Bronx queer life
Organizers and patrons described Solera's arrival as a boost for local visibility and fellowship for Black and brown LGBTQ+ Bronxites who have often headed to other boroughs for nightlife. Dey Armbrister told the paper the club "provides a space for Bronxites to be around fellowship and their people," and opening-night guest Solomon Simmons urged the crowd, "Be yourself. Live in your truth." The launch landed on a weekend of Bronx Pride activity, a timing overlap highlighted on local nightlife calendars such as Thotyssey.
For now, Solera offers a neighborhood option for Pride Month and beyond, and its backers say they hope the club grows into a lasting home for the borough's queer community. Neighbors and regulars alike will be watching how the venue shapes its programming and handles safety as it settles into Port Morris.
